Rolling Back The Years

16 June 2014

NFFC

A team of Nottingham Forest legends recently took part in the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens Masters Tournament.

The Nottingham Forest 'Mobsters' travelled to the tournament for the fifth consecutive year and fielded a side which included players such as Des Walker, Craig Armstrong, David Johnson and Jason Lee amongst others.

Opposition teams included Ajax and Rangers but Forest began with a clash against Japanese side KFC Tokyo. A Jason Lee header and a penalty from David Johnson were enough to give The Reds a 2-1 win in their opening game and a perfect start.

Sweltering conditions were ensuring that off-the-ball movement was difficult and Forest turned in a tired performance against the SCC Tigers from Singapore. Fortunately, a right-footed screamer from Johnson secured a point for The Reds in a 1-1 draw.

The final group game saw Forest come up against the Citibank All Stars who named Frank Sinclair, Deon Burton, Carlton Palmer and Steve Howard in their team. Johnson scored his third goal in as many games to put The Reds ahead but Palmer levelled with two minutes to play.

Five points from three group games were enough to see Forest progress to the quarter-finals where they would face the Citibank All Stars yet again. A brace from Steve Guinan put Forest firmly in charge and despite a thunderbolt from Sinclair halving the deficit, The Reds moved into the last four of the competition.

Forest were pitted against USRC, a team of Brazilian ex-internationals, in the semis but fell behind early on to a powerful strike from Fabio Alcantara. The Reds went on to play their best football of the tournament after falling behind but were unable to find an equaliser and were duly knocked out.

The Reds were applauded from the field as the crowd showed their appreciation and the Forest legends were able to leave with their heads held high.